Minister calls for reducing cost of Haj

RIYADH: Islamic Affairs Minister Saleh Al-Asheikh has called for reducing the cost of the pilgrimage. This year’s Haj will be in September with pilgrims arriving one month before the start of the rituals. Al-Asheikh made his observation this week at their second meeting in Riyadh in the presence of Deputy Minister Tawfiq Al-Sudairy and members of the committee. Al-Asheikh stressed the importance of early preparations for the Haj this year and the completion of the tasks entrusted to the ministry as part of its mission to serve the pilgrims and create Islamic awareness. Saudi Arabia receives two to three million pilgrims from all over the world every year and this requires highly systematic planning and utilization of resources. The minister emphasized the need for all services related to the performance of the rituals to be ready in advance, especially those pertaining to Meeqat and mosques which receive pilgrims before the start of the season. Al-Asheikh urged concerned bodies to reduce costs, and integrate the services of various sectors in order to provide advocacy and counseling facilities to the pilgrims by creating timetables. He said mosques should be ready and complete all tasks and services for the reception of pilgrims during the Haj.   Arab News